I trained as a homeopath after using homeopathy when I was pregnant with my daughter and suffering crippling morning sickness. I had taken everything my doctor had to offer and still ended up in hospital on a drip. My health visitor recommended a local homeopath, I had used it before with my son when he had dreadful eczema, so I was prepared to give it a go. I decided to add reflexology later as the two treatments work well together. Once qualified I was a bit shocked at the lack of products available for use in treatments. Most products contain petroleum and everything smells of peppermint! I wanted something natural which would help with various skin issues and smell better. I used my knowledge and experience as a homeopath in order to develop my range of Balms. They are all naturally anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial plus the oils they contain are really effective at moisturising and helping cracked or damaged skin to heal. They work amazingly well on cracked heels but my customers will often email me with other skin problems that they have used them for. For example Original Balm seems great for insect bites, fungal nail infections and cold sores and the Lavender & Chamomile seems really effective for burns and eczema.

Baby Bottom Balm is great for nappy rash and is also good for children eczema as it is a bit milder. Some of my customers also use Lavender & Chamomile Balm as a cleanser/moisturiser on their faces.

Balms can be ordered from my website www.nikisbalms.co.uk I am also on twitter @nikimcglynn or @nikisbalms where I am always happy to answer questions

Where are you based in the UK?

I am based in Wokingham, in Berkshire

When did you establish your business?

2 years ago

Why did you decide to start this business?

I wanted a natural product which would help my clients and would smell good!

What your unique selling point?

There is nothing quite like my balm on the market, apart for the fact it smells amazing, it is organic and made in small batches in order to maintain the quality yet it remains very reasonably priced.

What you best selling product?

My Original Organic Reflexology Balm is still my best selling product, closely followed by Original Organic Balm as other reflexologist clients buy it to use themselves as it is so lovely.

Who your target market?

Reflexologists primarily, and then people who are interested in using natural products on their skin.

Why do you think more people are buying natural products?

I think that people are becoming aware of the benefits of more natural products, and that they minimise the impact on the environment as well as providing safe and effective care for themselves and their families. They work well and are so much better than using petro-chemicals.

Can your products be used on any age customer?

Absolutely! I offer a Baby Bottom Balm which is mild and softer, perfect for babies and people with more sensitive skin and Original Organic Balm and Lavender & Chamomile Organic Balm are rich without being heavy or greasy and have excellent moisturising effects. I am currently developing a Warming Balm, which should help improve circulation for people with cold hands and feet.

I think you might all be wondering by now what on earth is ‘Tweet My Feet’ all about? Well this summer I have seen some feet in sandals that should be made illegal in public. Why don’t we care for our feet? They carry our entire body weight around from the time we start walking and for the rest of our lives and yet they are so neglected by us.

Well here how one lucky pair of feet can have a new lease of life and step out in style.

All you have to do is √¢‚Ç¨ÀúTweet Your Feet and tell me why your feet deserve to win the products. You can either send me a picture of your feet by email to joyce@bridesandbeauty.co.uk or if you re brave enough you can tweet the picture on twitter.

Now that summer is upon us and our feet will be once again, exposed in sandals it time to give them a pampering. Here’s how I keep my feet looking pretty!

Start by removing any old nail polish by soaking a cotton pad in an acetone free nail polish (this type is less drying to the nail). Press the damp cotton pad against the nail for 10 seconds and it should soak through the polish for easier removal.

Then using a hard skin or callus, removal tool slough away the hard skin on the heels and balls of the feet. This is best done on dry feet as it won t shred the skin like it would on softened damp skin.

Next soak your feet in a foot spa or bowl of warm water for 5 minutes. Remove the feet and towel dry but don t discard the water just yet. Use a granular foot exfoliator (or make your own with olive oil and granulated sugar or coarse sea salt) and massage over tops and soles of each foot before returning your feet to the bowl of water or foot spa to rinse off.

Have two hand towels ready and wrap each foot to keep them warm.

Unwrap one foot and cut the toenails straight across with toenail clippers. Cut them slightly longer than the desired finished length, use an emery board to smooth and seal the cut edges. Apply foot cream thickly over toes, tops of feet and soles up to the ankles. Wrap the foot in cling film and put a sock on over this. Repeat with the other foot. Leave on for 10 minutes.

Remove sock and cling film, massage any excess cream into the foot. Push back the cuticles with an orange stick. If you want to paint your toenails de-grease them with acetone free nail polish remover first. Always use a base coat before applying nail colour. Paint 2 coats of your favourite polish and finish with a coat of clear topcoat. Now you are ready to go!